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Rich Lesser
Global Chair
New York

Rich Lesser is the Global Chair of Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he engages with CEOs, boards of directors, and senior leaders around the world on critical topics, including climate and sustainability, resilience, and purpose. He served as BCG’s CEO from 2013 to 2021, a period of exceptional growth for the firm. During his tenure as CEO, Rich built new units to create BCG’s digital business-building, advanced analytics, and machine learning and AI capabilities, and launched the BCG Center for Climate & Sustainability. He was named the Top CEO in the US by Glassdoor in 2021.

Rich serves as Chief Advisor to the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, and as a co-chair or member of several other leading organizations, including the First Movers Coalition, Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, the Southern Communities Initiative, and the Council for Inclusive Capitalism, where he co-led the Just Energy Transition workstream. He previously served on the Business Roundtable board of directors, where he led the CEO COVID-19 Taskforce. He accelerated BCG’s strong investments in social impact through its longstanding partnerships, including the World Food Programme, Save the Children, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), along with many global health and environmental initiatives.

Rich served as BCG’s chairman for North and South America from 2009 to 2012, and as head of the New York Metro office system from 2000 to 2009. Prior to joining BCG in 1988, Rich worked in product development at Procter & Gamble. He serves on the University of Michigan College of Engineering Leadership Advisory Board.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • MBA, with high distinction, Harvard Business School
  • BSE, chemical engineering, summa cum laude, University of Michigan

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • Top CEO in the US, Glassdoor, 2021
  • Excellence in Public Policy Award, Committee for Economic Development, 2019
  • ChE Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Michigan, 2018
  • Honoree, Catalyst Awards Conference, 2018
  • Honoree, America Needs You Benefit, 2015
  • Top 25 Consultants, Consulting Magazine, 2009
  • Baker Scholar, Harvard Business School

Publications and Videos

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A Blueprint for the Energy Transition

Achieving net zero will require driving an energy transition with unprecedented speed. That transition promises to have far-reaching implications.
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Shifting the Direct Air Capture Paradigm

How to reduce the costs of the carbon-dioxide removal technology below $150 per ton—and transform it into an affordable solution for tackling the climate crisis.

A Robust People Strategy Is More Important Than Ever

Given the rapid pace of workplace change, BCG’s Rich Lesser says, it’s vital to attract, retain, and develop high-caliber people.

Health Care CEOs on the 2023 Industry Outlook

Joaquin Duato, chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson, and Dr. Bernd Montag, CEO of Siemens Healthineers, highlight three top priorities for CEOs this year: strategizing for growth, building financial resilience, and delivering societal impact through sustainability and health equity.

Climate and Sustainability at Davos

Rich Lesser, BCG's global chair, describes his focus for the week ahead: emerging green markets and the sustainability skills companies will need to thrive and make an impact.

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Put Talent at the Top of the Sustainability Agenda

To meet ambitious climate goals, companies must rapidly reskill workers—and share the lessons they learn with others.
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The So What Podcast from BCG:
Rich Lesser on Climate, Hard Truths, and Hope

Climate change is precipitating the largest industrial transformation since World War II, perhaps ever. BCG’s global chair, Rich Lesser, explains what it means for CEOs and business leaders.

Two Health Care Executives Share Insights on Future Industry Imperatives

Bristol Myers Squibb CEO Giovanni Caforio joins Dexcom CEO Kevin Sayer to discuss the importance of partnerships, inequities in health care, how to best care for patients, and more.

Two Minutes on Purpose

BCG's Rich Lesser describes the critical role that purpose plays in his conversations with business leaders today. Though barely discussed five to ten years ago, purpose is now a key imperative for companies--and it must extend beyond delivering value to shareholders.

Innovation and Transformation

Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer, explains why company culture must drive innovation and agility.

Winning the 20s in an Accelerated Post-COVID World

Winning the ’20s in an Accelerated Post-COVID World

Leaders now need to refocus on the long term and attend to five key imperatives.
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Leading Through the Big Transition to the New Reality

Emergence from the pandemic will depend on human behavior, people feeling safe in the world and in the workplace, and workers becoming healthier and more productive. This is largely a project for the private sector.
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